Forums Register Login

Core Java, Volume I--Fundamentals by Cay S. Horstmann, Gary Cornell

+Pie Number of slices to send: Send
<pre>Author/s : Cay S. Horstmann, Gary Cornell
Publisher : Prentice Hall PTR
Category : Beginning Java
Review by : Jeanne Boyarsky
Rating : 9 horseshoes
</pre>
"Core Java, Volume I -- Fundamentals" is meant to teach Java to developers who already know another language. Or as they put it, "serious programmers ... with a solid background in a language other than Java." This is important as the book assumes a knowledge of programming concepts. As such, the authors can explain OO rather than how a loop works. The syntax diagrams and flow diagrams offer concise explanations.

This edition (the eighth of the book) covers Java 6. I liked that each section was updated to reflect changes to the languages. The authors didn't just tack on some chapters about the new features. They integrated features as they made sense. More importantly, they updated existing examples to reflect the way they would be written if they were initially written today. This gives the reader appropriate exposure as to when to use new features. At the same time, the authors point out what was added in Java 1.4 so you can use it with an older version. There was even a screenshot of Windows Vista in the getting started section.

The book is about 800 pages. Some of this is long classes and API extractions. The authors do highlight important code snippets with explanations first, so it is possible to skip these parts. I did like the feature of the API extractions that showed when methods were introduced.

The authors explain Java in practice well including caveats. There are a few carefully labeled sections that are quite advanced. (proxys and new classloaders.) This is definitely not just an intro book! There was a bit of premature optimization. I don't see a need to worry about whether ArrayList<Integer> is efficient unless it is a problem. At the same time, it is important to know why things work the way they do.

I recommend this book if you are looking to learn Java or have only used certain pieces of it. Just be sure to read the TOC carefully as the authors branch out. For example, the inheritance chapter covers var args and reflection.


More info at Amazon.com
More info at Amazon.co.uk
+Pie Number of slices to send: Send
It is really a good book. I can't wait for the 2nd Edition!!!


Jeffry Kristianto Yanuar
SCJP 5.0
SCJA
+Pie Number of slices to send: Send
Classic book. I use it to begin my java career/
Hey cool! They got a blimp! But I have a tiny ad:
a bit of art, as a gift, the permaculture playing cards
https://gardener-gift.com


reply
reply
This thread has been viewed 11478 times.
Similar Threads
Core Java 2 Volume 1 - Fundamentals by Cay S. Horstmann & Gary Cornell
Core Java(TM) 2, Volume II--Advanced Features by Cay Horstmann, Gary Cornell
Core Java 2, Fundamentals by Cay Horstmann, Gary Cornell
Welcome Cay Horstmann and Gary Cornell!
Core Java, Volume II--Advanced Features, 9th Edition by Cay S. Horstmann & Gary Cornell
More...

All times above are in ranch (not your local) time.
The current ranch time is
Mar 18, 2024 21:59:36.